Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Kashmiri Shawlwalas Keep Kolkata Warm Amid Challenges
For many years, men from Kashmir called shawlwalas have been coming to Kolkata and Howrah every winter to sell warm clothes like shawls and sweaters.
They bring beautiful, handmade woollens from Kashmir and sell them door-to-door or in small shops.
People in these cities look forward to their visits because these clothes are special and keep them warm.
However, now that more people are buying clothes online, the shawlwalas are finding it harder to sell their products.
Despite this, they continue their tradition, as it is their main way of earning money.
They feel at home in Bengal and have built strong relationships with their customers over the years.
Kashmiri shawlwalas have been visiting Kolkata and Howrah for decades to sell traditional woollens.
They sell items like pashmina shawls, sweaters, pherans, saris, and mufflers, often door-to-door.
Customers in Bengal appreciate the intricate artwork and quality of Kashmiri woollens.
The rise of e-commerce has led to a decline in demand for these traditional sellers.
Despite challenges, shawlwalas continue their trade, as it is their primary source of income.
- Who
- Kashmiri shawlwalas like Fayaz Ahmed, Mohammed Rafiq Wani, and Zahoor Ahmed Bhat
- What
- Seasonal sellers of Kashmiri woollens in Kolkata and Howrah
- When
- From early November to March
- Where
- Kolkata and Howrah, West Bengal
- Why
- To earn a living by selling traditional Kashmiri woollens
- Name
- Fayaz Ahmed
- Age
- 50
- Hometown
- Hazratbal, Srinagar
- Occupation
- Shawl Seller
- Years in Business
- 36
- Shop Location
- Howrah, Kolkata
- Product Range
- Pashmina shawls, sweaters, pherans, saris, mufflers
- Seasonal Period
- November to March